Round 5
*1sc in next st, sc2tog* repeat from * to * until last 2 stitches, 1sc in last 2 stitches - (14)

Finishing
Stuff your bun and sew into place.

Accessories

For our Kokeshi doll we added the following accessories but you may choose do something different!

Tassel Spikes: Take 4 short lengths of yarn in two different colours and wrap around the hair bun, tie in place with a double knot and cut to length.

Rose Petals: Using DP, ch6, 1sc in 2nd st from hook, 2hdc in next st, 3dc in next st, 2hdc in next st, [1sc, 1 sl st] in last st, fasten off and sew into place. Repeat steps for other petal.

Fan: Using W, crochet 7sc into a magic circle, pull to tighten, sl st to join, ch3, TURN, 1dc in next st and in ea st along - (7)

Kimono Wrap: Using W, ch28, 1dc in 4th st from hook and in ea st along, join DP with ch1 (don't count as st), TURN, 1sc in 1st st and in ea st along, fasten off and sew ends together at back of Kokeshi doll around body.

Eyes

Take a short length of B and sew two small straight lines onto face, stuff remaining yarn into head. I sewed across 2 sts then skipped 4 sts and sewed again over 2 sts.

Tuesday, 25 February 2014

The question "how do I write a crochet pattern that I can sell" is one I hear a few times and as it is something that I do on a daily basis so it makes only sense for me to write up some tops tips for you guys thinking about putting your skills to the test!

The first and most important thing you need to do first is to design your own pattern. This may sound hard and quite obvious but in fact it can be relatively painless if you start with something simple, like a wash cloth or a baby blanket. It doesn't have to be a woman's vest in lots of different sizes or a man's hat just yet. I am assuming you have been crocheting from other people's patterns, maybe even mine, for a few years now and if you have ever thought, I don't like it that way, I think I will do it this way, then you're already well on your way to becoming your own designer.

I don't recommend taking anyone else's design and trying to make it your own as you are treading on dangerous ground with copyright and you don't want anything to come back to haunt you so always try to think unique. Start with a blank canvas, think about the item you want to design and the stitches you would like to use and just take it from there. If you want to design a hat you can use my video guide here on how to work out the maths behind hats if you like. If designing a hat for the first time it may be best to stick to simple stitches and adding appliques instead such as flowers but remember to make your flowers your own design too!

But perhaps start with something simple like a baby blanket or a simple wash cloth and start to think about the stitches you want to use. Wash cloths are great for trying new stitches out. Stitches are not copyrighted, only how they are constructed into a specific sequence to form a pattern does it become copyrighted so have a think about your favourite stitches and then start your project!

The most important thing to remember is don't worry about getting it wrong. I have designed many patterns that just haven't worked, they have either been frogged and started again or scrapped altogether, never for you guys to even know the embarrassment of the appalling mess I had just created! It's all about seeing what works and what doesn't work. So when starting your baby blanket, if you feel your initial foundation chains (either chains or double crochet foundation stitches, think about variations!) are too many or too little, just start again. The one thing you will need, to be a designer, is patience!

Once you have your size of blanket sorted and initial chains completed, write down how many chains you made. The second most important step to designing is to write EVERYTHING down. I cannot stress how important it is to do this, do not think you can remember and write it down afterwards because it will cause you untold stress later unless you have an impeccable memory for all the changes you make along the way. It will save you a lot of work later so get that pen and paper out, start your very first designer oracle notebook.

As you can see in the photos here, my notes are plentiful and a little crazy looking, like a secret language, at least to my husband anyway! but they help me visualise my designs and remind me of any strange additions in the pattern and stitch counts as well as allow me to work out if different sizes work out without me having to make every single size!

Now start your stitches in your blanket. If you are using a basic stitch you may be able to get away with counting the rows at the end and writing it down but if you are using anything a little bit more fancy I would make a note as you go of how many rows you are crocheting, even if it is just a dash on a piece of a paper. It will save a lot of counting later. You may prefer to not count the rows and instead state in your pattern to work to a length instead, which is also fine. If you are using a sequence of colours though you may wish to add extra information such as 'finish on a blue row'.

When you've finished your blanket or wash cloth and you have your basic pattern written down, now is the time to write it up professionally. You need to think back to what you like about patterns and what annoys you, try to think of your own format of pattern and don't copy others unless you really love the layout and information provided in that pattern layout. You need to write down the type of yarn you have used, the crochet hook size you used, and a basic gauge for people to work to. Think about anything else you have added to your blanket like ribbon or buttons, list it all down in your pattern at the beginning. List down what sizes the pattern is for or what finished size the wash cloth or blanket is.

You also need to take a nice photo. Think about the setting of your design. If you have designed a baby blanket it may be nice to showcase it with a teddy bear, or if you have designed a wash cloth it may be nice to showcase it with some soap or a rubber ducky. Good lighting is very important so try and photograph your work during the day when it is brighter. When you have your photo add it to your pattern, which by now you should be typing up in Word.

It is also nice to add some extra information about your pattern such as how hard it is to make, a difficulty level. You can also add a basic stitch library for abbreviations and any extra notes you think the pattern requires. Think about your customer base, us Brits use a different terminology, even though I write up my patterns in US terminology I always add that it is written in US terminology within the pattern so that any UK customers know what to expect. If the pattern doesn't state this and the pattern only contains double crochet stitches then depending on what the crocheter knows or thinks, they may end up with a very different design. Cover all bases!

Now write up the actual design in steps, rows or rounds. Start by listing what yarn to start with if using more than one yarn type and what crochet hook they need to start with. Don't forget to add any small bits, but very important key bits, of information like TURN or FASTEN OFF, think about everything you have done and never assume the crocheter reading your pattern will know what you have done.

When your design is complete turn it into a PDF. If you have Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer you can save as a PDF from Word but you can always leave your pattern as a Word document if you prefer. I recommend saving as a .doc file rather than a .docx file though, just in case people have an older version of Word.

Now you just need to advertise your design! Share it on your Facebook page or sell it on Etsy just as you would a normal product. Etsy now have the ability to sell digital downloads, which is really useful as people can download your work as soon as they purchase it.

How you price your work depends on you. No-one can advise you on what is best, not even I. Think about how much work you have put in and what types of yarn you have used, think about your costs which includes your time. Try not to sell your work too cheaply but don't over-charge either however it is always best to have a price good enough that you can run sales as every one loves a good sale!

Good luck and let me know how you get on! Remember, don't be afraid to get it wrong as long as it's right in the end! But most of all enjoy the process and have fun, you'll be well on your way to becoming a designer before you know it. (^-^)

Friday, 21 February 2014

I wasn't sure if I would make it this Yarn Scrap Friday as I've had a nasty virus which actually stopped me crocheting!! duh duh duh!! (>.<) he he but not wanting to let you guys down I remembered a crochet pattern I could adapt quickly and that was for this butterfly.

It is actually an adaption of the wings on my Mini Angel from one of my Christmas crochet patterns, you can find that pattern here if you'd like it but the design also makes a wonderful butterfly shape, perfect as an applique or as bunting, even as a children's mobile.

Round 2
Crochet 12dc into the loop you just created, join C2 with sl st to join round - (12)

Round 3
Ch1, 1sc in same st as previous sl st, 2dc in next st, 2sc in next st, [1dc, 1tr] in next st, 2tr in next st, [1dc, 1sc] in next st, [1sc, 1dc] in next st, 2tr in next st, [1tr, 1dc] in next st, 2sc in next st, 2dc in next st, 2sc in next st, join C3 with sl st in ch1 to join round - (24)

Round 4
Ch1, sl st in next st, [1sc, 1dc] in next st, [1dc, 1sc] in next st, sl st in next 2 sts, [1sc, 1dc] in next st, 3tr in next 2 sts, [1dc, 1sc] in next st, sl st in next st, *ch7, sl st in 4th ch from hook, sl st in next 3 chs back to butterfly, sl st in next st* repeat from * to * once more, sl st in next st, [1sc, 1dc] in next st, 3tr in next 2 sts, [1dc, 1sc] in next st, sl st in next 2 sts, [1sc, 1dc] in next st, [1dc, 1sc] in next st, sl st in last 2 sts, sl st in ch1 to join round, fasten off and tie in all tails.

And now you're done!

I hope you liked this little butterfly. You can also try an even simpler butterfly here if you like.

Friday, 14 February 2014

Sending you lots of love from the HappyBerry design studio. I hope you have received some nice gifts from your loved ones but if not I hope today's Yarn Scrap Friday's crochet tutorial brings you some joy.

Something a little different from all the heart related Valentine designs this Yarn Scrap Friday. I thought I would design a heart bracelet which involves no sewing of flowers together.

Materials Required

Some DK/Light worsted weight cotton yarn - I used Rico Design Essential Cotton DK available from The Wool Warehouse - in two colours, I chose white and another colour

Continuing in AC *[1sc, 1dc, 1tr, 1dc, 1sc] in next st* repeat from * to * until end and you have 5 petals, sl st in first petal st to join round joining W again as you sl st.

Step 4

Continuing in W, ch2 to form some chains between the flowers, then repeat steps 1 - 3, you end up chaining 6 in total at the beginning but instead of slip stitching in your 1st ch to make a loop you need to sl st in the 3rd chain of the 6 or 4th ch from hook.

Step 5

Continue repeating steps 1-4 until you have your desired length of flowers. Then ch2, sl st in 1st petal st on 1st flower to join into bracelet (or necklace), fasten off and tie in all tails.

Why not make lots of flowers into a necklace or even in blue for a wedding gift garter! (^-^)

Friday, 7 February 2014

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, my thoughts are turned to making anything heart related although I should probably plan some kind of Valentine related event for the husband at some point! *oops*

So a while ago I designed a very quick and simple heart but it used the magic ring method which I know some of you prefer not to use. So I thought I would look at that heart design again and see if I can perfect it a little more or simplify it even more. Let's see!

You will need

Any yarn, I used DK/Light worsted weight yarn in a variety of pinks and purples

3.0mm crochet hook or any hook that is suitable for the yarn you are using

Yarn needle and scissors

Heart

Step 1
Ch4, sl st in 1st ch to form a loop

Step 2
Crochet 5sc into loop, sl st in 1st sc to join round - (5)

Step 3
Ch3 (count as st), 1dc in same st as chs (the one you sl st into earlier), 2dc in next st, [4tr, 1sl st] in next st, 4tr in next st, 2dc in next st, 1dc in 'fake' last st (I say fake because this stitch is not actually a stitch, you would normally just sl st into the top of your chains to join the round but I want you to add an extra dc here), now sl st in top of 3ch to join - (16)

Fasten off and tie in all tails.

So simple yet so cute! I hope you like it too. Why not make lots of heart and use them as confetti on a table for a romantic meal, or perhaps make them into earrings, or just make them for fun for you! (^-^)

A little something different for this Friday's Yarn Scrap Friday. (I've decided to change the name as people were getting confused as to what Forget-me-not Friday was about but the theory is the same!).

I decided on trying my design skills at a small dolls house armchair, just perfect for Melissa and Doug sized dolls and which will definitely excite any little one in your life! I know my 3 year old loves these chairs and even allowed me to borrow her dolls house to model the chairs! She is very good to me. (see below).

So what will you need!

Some chunky/bulky weight yarn. I used a dark brown and a light brown

4mm crochet hook for the chair

Some DK/Light worsted weight yarn for the cushion. I chose a bright pink!

2.5mm crochet hook for the cushion or any hook that is smaller than a 4mm

Yarn needle and scissors

LB = Light Brown
DB = Dark Brown
P = Pink

Notes
This pattern is repeated 4 times to make each chair piece and then sewn together. Only stuff the light brown pieces, do not stuff the dark brown pieces.

Watch the video tutorial here if you prefer, especially for how to sew the pieces together.

Main Chair Piece (make 4 times, 2 in DB and 2 in LB)

Row 1Using DB or LB ch7, 2sc in 2nd st from hook, 1sc in next 4 sts, 2sc in last st - (8)

Row 2
Crocheting back into your foundation chains again, crochet 2sc in 1st chain (same st as last st), 1sc in next 4 sts, 2sc in last st - (16 sts in total from rows 1 and 2)

Rounds 3 - 7 (you are now working in the round)
1sc in next st and in ea st around - (16)

If working the 2 LB pieces, stuff them at this point. Do not stuff the two DB pieces.

Row 9
You may want to watch the video for this last round as you will now crochet the project closed by single crocheting it together, joining both sides as you go. So squashing your project flat at the end, crochet the next 2 sts together by placing your hook as normal into your next st and then into the next st from the back and work 1sc. Sc together the next st and the st on the opposite side and do this for all remaining sts (6 in total each side). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Repeat steps 1-9 above for the other 3 cushions.

Finishing
Sew the two LB pieces together along the two row 9 rows. Now sew each DB piece to the side of the main chair, making sure to have half above the seat and half below to make arms and feet. (see photo). See video for the best way of sewing them together.

Finishing
Taking both sides, place them together on top of each other and work 1sc neatly around all edges, joining each side as you go, stuff just before you finish with a little stuffing. Fasten off and tie in all tails.

I hope you enjoy this pattern! It's been a little difficult to explain as a written pattern but I hope the hour long video tutorial will help.

Thanks again for all your kind comments! I read them all and appreciate them so much. (^-^)

Row 2
Crocheting back into your foundation chains, crochet 2sc in 1st st (same as last st), 1sc in next 7 sts, 2sc in last st - (22 sts in total from rows 1 and 2)

Round 3 (you will now be working in the round)
*1sc in next st, 2sc in next st, 1sc in next 8 sts, 2sc in next st* repeat from * to * once more - (26)

Round 4
*1sc in next 2 sts, 2sc in next st, 1sc in next 9 sts, 2sc in next st* repeat from * to * once more - (30)

Round 5
*1sc in next 3 sts, 2sc in next st, 1sc in next 10 sts, 2sc in next st* repeat from * to * once more - (34)

Finishing
Using your tail end of your sole, sew your sole onto the gap made in your main sock from skipping 15 and chaining 15, allowing for 2 extra sts when sewing on the corners of your sock gap. See video tutorial above for more details if needbe.

The Designer

I am a mummy to a little girl and I love baking, travelling and crocheting, sometimes all at the same time! I am often found immersed under yarn or off on my travels. I crochet with passion, with designs to hopefully catch your imagination and never let go.

All my patterns are in US terminology.

How you can support me.

Want to show your appreciation? I would be honoured if you became a patron of HappyBerry, but I also gratefully accept donations here. Thank you so much!

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